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Welcome to Richmond Bargains, bringing down the cost of living in RVA since 2008! If you like hearing about great deals and freebies available at stores/restaurants in the Richmond Metro area, reviews and tips about local bargain resources, and free (or very cheap) events around town, you’ll definitely feel right at home here.

Reforming glory thief, eternally in need of perspective, and occasionally a roller rink.

I’m Alison, the head bargain hunter in these parts. I’ve lived in Richmond most of my life, currently in the West End with my husband and two sons, whom I homeschool. Beyond bargains, my favorite activities are reading, taking photos, and exploring Richmond. Ultimately, I desire to live a life that reflects the grace God has given me through his Son and become conformed to his image!

I started blogging on Richmond Bargains in June 2008 because I a) loved sharing deals and b) was frustrated by a lack of resources connecting residents with LOCAL money-saving information. I’m all about finding simple ways to do the things we enjoy (eating, shopping, playing, LIVING) while spending less!

I value your money AND your time. I try to weed through events and deals to share the very best with you!

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I always appreciate help from wonderful area readers with the scoop on store opening sales, store closing sales, store special sales, store clearance sales, restaurant specials … pretty much any kind of sale or deal in the metro area. I also try to spotlight free (or If you’ve got the bargain skinny, please email me at richmondbargains at gmail dot com.

Likewise, if you have a question, would like some help finding a deal, or would be interested in writing a guest post, please let me know

I am a part of the stay-at-home mom group called Mommy & Me of Greater Richmond. We have a large yard sale with over 20 families contributing items from household goods amd furniture to kids equipment and toys to maternity clothes and kids clothes to books and movies. Our event is on Saturday, April 20th from 8am to 12pm at the Bon Air Methodist Church (1645 Buford Rd,
Richmond, VA 23235).
We have the event indoors so we have it rain or shine.

A friend told me about your blog and mentioned that you might want to post the information, so I thought I would reach out.

What: Willow Lawn shopping center will host the 2nd Annual Wine & Whiskers, a dog-friendly event that includes wine tastings from local vineyards, food samples, merchant specials, pet-friendly activities and a live musical performance from a popular local ‘80s cover band, Party McFly.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the local animal non-profit, FETCH a Cure. Event is weather permitting; check Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/willowlawn for weather-related updates. Dogs are welcome.

hi Allison!
Any word on when the RVA (7th or 8th) Craft swap will be happening this year? I have searched on FB and found nothing. It was around the beginning of February last year. Would love a heads up on location and dates! Thanks so much.

I am selling in the Monday’s Child Consignment sale and there is some latebreaking news! I am not sure anyone has let you know, but I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t mentioned in my email about events this weekend….I know you sell ads, but your readers want to know what is going on as far as deals! The sale has been moved INSIDE Chesterfield Towncenter mall! (in the old Express-near Sears/Gardenridge). LOTS of room. VERY bright and clean. Climate controlled. should be a comfortable and nice consignment shopping experience!

Hi Joy, thanks for letting me know about Monday’s Child change of location! I wish I sold ads but I just don’t have the time 😉 And I don’t focus on sales in the FREE List post – that is just for free & cheap events. Ideally, I would have all consignment sales entered on the Google calendar, but the consignment sale list post is the best I can do with my time constraints.

Can you tell me more about the Kings Dominion tickets. The ad say 2 for 64.00 and says only one can be used per couple. So does that mean if my husband and I went I couldn’t use a ticket for me and one or him? please let me know. thanks

Hi Alison! I’m Ebie, Director of Education and Outreach for the Historic Polegreen Church Foundation. Just wanted to stop by and say that I LOVE your blog and so appreciate your helping to promote our free events! Hope to see you sometime!

Hi Alison, I’d like to get in touch with you about a possible presentation with Chesterfield County Library. If you see this would you mind dropping me a quick note saying “yes, please!” or “No, thanks!”

The 3rd Annual RICHMOND PET EXPO is BACK, it’s still FREE and now TWO FULL DAYS! All well-behaved pets are welcome**, so BRING YOUR PET BESTIE to this INDOOR event on Saturday, July 16 (10am to 5pm) and Sunday, July 17, 2016 (11am to 4pm) at the Greater Richmond Convention Center! SHOP, PLAY, LEARN or ADOPT as you check out more than 100 exhibitors – with everything from artisan pet beds to organic small batch pet treats to pet behaviorists to budget-friendly pet travel options – with the latest and greatest in pet products and services, amazing discounts on pet items that can’t be found anywhere else, low-cost vaccinations and free nail trims, plus enjoy live obedience, agility, lure coursing, and other incredible displays of canine athletic prowess and your pet (no matter their age or ability) can participate too! Plus you can learn how to get started – or get more involved – in making a difference for animals and even meet and fall in love with your new best pet friend, the perfect addition to your family. Speaking of family, this event has some SUPER COOL surprises and activities just for the littles and not-so-little kids in all of us. AND SO MUCH MORE! For more information on how to HAVE THE BEST DAY EVER with your best pet friend, visit us online at http://www.richmondpetexpo.com, join us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/RichmondPetExpo), Twitter (https://twitter.com/AmazingPetExpos), shoot us an email at info@richmondpetexpo.com, or give us a call at 800-977-3609. Please note: While this extra fun special event offers free admission for both you and your best pet friend, the venue charges $7 for parking.
#richmondpetparty #mypetbestie #BSLbites #getyourfunon
Need directions? http://www.richmondpetexpo.com/directions
*In order to attend, all pets must be considered legal household pets in the state of VA, be on a fixed lead or in a contained carrier/stroller at all times, have proof of current age-appropriate rabies vaccinations, and have an indemnification form signed by their guardian before entering the expo. Those planning to arrive with a pet who may not be up-to-date on their vaccines, but plan to get low-cost shots at the expo, are required to first visit our vaccine provider for their pet’s brief medical exam and shots before taking part in any other event activity. Please note that vaccines take a minimum of 14 days to become fully effective, so we urge pet parents to use extreme caution when allowing newly-vaccinated pets to share communal water bowls or pet potty areas, and when greeting possible new pet friends. We also recommend using the same caution when attending the event with very young or elderly pets.

Thanks Ann! If I hear about one I will definitely let you know, but I’m not sure that they do. Someone from the company used to send me a heads up about it. The company was acquired by Newell Rubbermaid in 2014 and that *may* have changed the way they sell